Brazil

Population: 190,010,647 (July 2007 est.)

Regime History: Brazil was, until 1930, a country marked by landowners' predominance. In 1930 a coup resulted in the appointment of Getulio Vargas as president. Vargas introduced the "import substitution" model of economic development. His elected successor was deposed in a US-backed military coup in 1964 after he tried to introduce a series of "basic reforms", including agrarian reform.

What followed was over 21 years of military government in Brazil. Unlike Chile, there was not one predominant figure that held power throughout the years, but rather a series of military "Juntas." Although there were many episodes of repression, state violence was not as widespread as in neighboring countries like Argentina, Chile, or Uruguay. The transition to democracy was gradual and resulted, in part, from the poor economic performance (despite periodic success) of the military government. A new Constitution was drafted in 1987 and approved in 1988 and illiterate people were granted the right to vote. Direct presidential elections--the first in 29 years--were held in November and December 1989.

In 1992, a Parliamentary Investigating Commission was set up to study government corruption which took the form of influence-peddling in exchange for deposits made to President Collor's personal account. Demonstrations against corruption and the discovery of evidence implicating other government figures in these schemes led all the political parties to vote for the President's impeachment.

In the following elections, Fernando Henrique Cardoso won the presidency, beating out the previous favorite Luis Ignacio "Lula" da Silva, of the Workers' Party (the PT). Cardoso ruled for two terms, and in 2002 Lula da Silva managed to triumph in his fourth attempt to win the presidency. His government has been far less radical than expected. On October 29, 2006, Lula was re-elected with more than 60% of the votes, extending his position as President of Brazil until January 1, 2011.

Organization and economy: Brazil is a Federal Republic with 26 states, which have a level of autonomy similar to that of US states. The legal system is based on Roman codes, following the civil law tradition. For the past 10 years there has been an ongoing project to reform the judicial system. Part of this reform was approved in 2004. Many of Brazil's state judicial systems are considered modern and up to date.

Economy: Brazil's economy outweighs that of all other South American countries and is expanding its presence in world markets. However, highly unequal income distribution, one of the worst in the world, remains a pressing problem. GDP per capita is $8,800 (2006 est. – purchasing power parity). Sixth in the region, behind Uruguay, Argentina, Chile, Costa Rica, and Mexico.

Population below poverty line: 31% (2005 est.)

Unemployment rate: 9.6% (2006 est.)

Ethnic groups: white (includes Portuguese, German, Italian, Spanish, Polish) 55%, mixed white and black 38%, black 6%, other (includes Japanese, Arab, Amerindian) 1%.